ERP 481: Taking Control Together: Financial Preparedness for Real-Life Challenges — An Interview with Donna Jean Kendrick

About this Episode

What would happen to your family or loved ones if life threw an unexpected curveball tomorrow? Would they feel protected, supported, and prepared, or left to navigate a stressful maze of financial questions and paperwork on their own?

In a world where change is the only constant, financial preparedness is an act of love that too often gets pushed aside for another day. But when the unimaginable happens, being unprepared isn’t just stressful—it can have lasting effects on your sense of security, your relationships, and your peace of mind.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to take control and approach financial planning as a tool for caring for yourself and those you love. With honest stories from personal experience, practical checklists, and expert strategies for navigating life’s transitions like widowhood, blended families, and sudden loss, you’ll learn why clarity is the best gift you can give to your family. This episode offers actionable steps for organizing vital documents, starting tough conversations, and building the kind of foundation that keeps everyone cared for—no matter what the future holds.

Donna Jean Kendrick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and founder of Sephton Financial. After losing her first husband suddenly in 2013, Donna navigated widowhood with three young children, inspiring her to support families in transition through financial planning. She is the host of the Wisdom and Wealth Podcast and author of A Guide to Widowhood, and A Guide for Blended Families.

Check out the transcript of this episode on Dr. Jessica Higgin's website.

Episode Highlights 

05:40 Navigating blended family dynamics and the process of adjustment.

13:25 How being financially organized eased the pain of loss.

14:38 The gift of clarity: Preparing financial documents for loved ones.

18:16 Facing the emotional side of financial planning in relationships.

21:57 Practical tips for document organization.

26:22 How to overcome overwhelm and take stock of your finances.

29:06 Building a financial foundation: Net worth, liabilities, and spending plans.

33:50 Finding your system: Partner roles and routines in managing finances.

36:00 Best practices for couples discussing and organizing their finances.

39:21 Joint vs. separate accounts: Customizing financial approaches for couples.

40:35 Planning for retirement and avoiding resentment.

46:07 Financial conversations for new couples and the value of prenuptial agreements.

Mentioned

A Guide for Blended Families (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

A Guide to Widowhood Workbook (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book)

Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones Without Answers (webinar link)

Annual Credit Report

Evolve in Love (program)

Connect with Donna Jean Kendrick

Websites: donnajeankendrick.com

Facebook: facebook.com/DonnaJeanKendrick

YouTube: youtube.com/@donnajeankendrick

Instagram: instagram.com/donnajeankendrick

TikTok: tiktok.com/@donnajeankendrick

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